Babysbreath is an ornamental species that was introduced from Europe and has now escaped cultivation to pastures and rangeland in some areas. Once established, it forms dense stands and is difficult to control. Flowering occurs from June to August. Babysbreath is often used in floral arrangements. 

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Babysbreath is a perennial with widely branching stems to 3 feed in height. Leaves are in pairs, 3/4 to 4 inches long with sharp points. They are narrow, opposite and found along the plant stems. The inflorescence is diffusely branched, flowers are 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide, with 5-lobed calyx. Calyx is a small capsule, containing 2 to 5 black seeds, each about 1/12 inch long with a finely pebbled surface.